Iran have accrued more points than England, Spain, Cameroon and Portugal put together after the first round of games. That alone has made the Persian Stars proud.

@stighefootball

Thirty-one percent possession and one shot on target against Nigeria, per WhoScored.com, are paltry statistics in general terms, but Carlos Queiroz will point to those as positives in the buildup to the next game.

Iran don't pretend to be anything they're not; they're fighters, they've come through adversity many couldn't imagine and they play in such a manner.

They'll sit deep, defend stoutly and counter-attack through three or four select players. Pace on the break and solidity in defence are their strengths.

Sabella on Iran: "They have passed through wars, a strong country, physically and mentally."

Nigeria found that out the hard way, with their lack of creativity forcing them into a situation whereby Efe Ambrose was crossing to SholaAmeobi, outnumbered, in the box from the 60th minute.

Argentina will rely on the genius of Messi, Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Co. to break the Persian Stars down in open play. There'll be no getting behind them—there's no space there—so dribbling head-on and turning between the lines are the only two routes to take.

2. Runners vs. Cover

Argentina will start off with only a few players devoted to defending: likely Ezequiel Garay, Federico Fernandez and Javier Mascherano.

Iran have moved AshkanDejagah to a No. 10 role in the side to ensure they can pack as much pace into the XI as possible. That's a three vs. three or three vs. four on the counter-attack, and if their decision-making holds, they can work chances on goal.

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